Overview

Mission Statement

The mission of the Computer Science Program is to be an exemplary program in a small, Land-Grant, flagship university. We strive for excellence in research, teaching and service that will be of benefit to our students, our profession, and for the people of the State of Maine. Researchers will gain a national or international reputation and will provide educational experiences for both graduate and undergraduate students in their research laboratories. Faculty will provide excellent teaching to undergraduates and graduate students both in and out of the classroom. We see advising as an important part of teaching. We believe that excellent teachers have high standards for students and give students the tools to meet those standards.
Excellent teachers also motivate students, nurture them as scholars, and share their enthusiasm for learning in general and for their discipline in particular. Like excellent research and teaching, excellent service is also productive and recognized and is performed with dedication, competence, enthusiasm and professional integrity.
It is also an important part of our mission to maintain our highly collegial environment while expanding our research mission. We are dedicated to building a community of learning including faculty, students and staff.

Program Educational Objectives

Computer science is the foundation of computing and information technology. Computer scientists study the theory, design, implementation, and performance of computers and computer software, including the study of computability and computation itself. Computer scientists bring their breadth and depth of knowledge to bear to efficiently solve computing problems. They design and implement software systems. They devise new uses for computers, both to solve new problems and to provide novel, innovative capabilities and services.
The Computer Science BS degree provides the foundation for students to pursue meaningful computer science careers in business, industry and government, and to pursue graduate studies in the field. Our curriculum will enable our students to:

  • Bring to bear a strong background in the basics of computer science, the theoretical underpinnings of the computing discipline, and the mathematics and science appropriate to the discipline, to solve the new problems that will arise throughout their careers.
  • Be highly proficient in formulating and solving the myriad of computer science problems that they will address in the workforce, including the design, implementation, and evaluation of complex software systems.
  • Function effectively in the workplace with the necessary technical and communication skills, whether working independently or in a team setting.
  • Adapt to changes in technology and society through continued personal and professional growth.
  • Understand the role of ethics in their professional behavior and the impact on society of their work as computer scientists.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

  • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  • Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of computer science.
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to computer science.
  • Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Previous Outcomes

By the time of graduation, our students will demonstrate:

  • An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.
  • An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
  • An ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.
  • An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
  • An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities.
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society.
  • Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development.
  • An ability to use the current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices.
  • An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices
  • An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Annual Student Enrollment and Graduation Data

The School of Computing and Information Science currently offers BS and BA degrees in Computer Science.
The B.S. degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). For details consult abet.org.
We are publishing our annual enrollments and graduation numbers of our undergraduate students in Computer Science.

What is Computer Science?

How does computer science relate to other computing fields? Please see our explanation.

Careers in Computer Science

Many web sites detail potential careers in computer science.  One such site is Careers in Computer Science. For a focus on data science careers, see Careers in Data Science. For a range of related computing career descriptions see our page on Computing Careers.

Congressional Recognition of Importance of Computer Science

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed Resolution 558, “Supporting the increased understanding of, and interest in, computer science and computing careers among the public and in schools, and to ensure an ample and diverse future technology workforce through the designation of National Computer Science Education Week.”

The resolution supports research in computer science, specifically mentioning research that motivates increased participation in the field. It also “encourages schools, teachers, researchers, universities, and policymakers to identify mechanisms for teachers to receive cutting edge professional development to provide sustainable learning experiences in computer science at all educational levels and encourage students to be exposed to computer science concepts” and “encourages opportunities, including through existing programs, for females and underrepresented minorities in computer science.”

In addition, the White House recently announced an initiative, CS for All, that aims to give all students in the U.S. the opportunity to learn CS, with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Education serving as the lead federal agencies. NSF has already committed over $20 million over five years.